Football
5 May, 2026
Natimuk United answers Swifts challenge
Natimuk United’s senior football side returns to the winner’s circle in round four of the Horsham District Football Netball League, defeating the Swifts on Saturday, May 2.
Playing at home, the Rams kicked 10.9 (69) to the Swifts’ 7.7 (49).
Despite the Swifts getting scoring opportunities in the opening term, it was Natimuk who capitalised early, racing out to an 18-4 lead at quarter time.
The Baggies kicked the opening two goals of the second quarter; however, a strong finish to the half extended the Rams’ lead to 32-16 at the main break.
But the visitors came out firing early in the second half, scoring three goals in a seven-minute span to take a three-point lead, before a Kaiden Sudholz major ensured the Rams entered the last term up 40-36.
Both sides traded goals early in the final quarter before three clutch late goals to the home side helped secure a hard-fought 20-point win.
AJ Lupton, Kaiden Sudholz, Billy Taylor and Jett Munn each kicked two goals for Natimuk, with Will Kennedy, Zachary Smith and Oscar Miller also among the key contributors to the win.
For the Swifts, Liam Scott, Brett Hargreaves, Bourke Nicholls and Teague Vincent were among the side’s best, with seven players all scoring one goal each.
Rams coach Jarred Combe said the conditions posed a challenge for the side, but strong pressure enabled them to build an early lead.
“Conditions weren’t conducive to perfect football, with the wind playing a part in the first half but not really favouring either end,” he said.
“While we did have a few decision‑making and skill execution errors, our first quarter was positive.
“We were able to take territory and apply pressure, which allowed us to have a solid first half.”
The Natimuk coach admitted the Swifts brought the challenge to his team throughout the second half, but a composed, team-oriented approach late in the game helped them come away with the victory.
“Swifts certainly started the third quarter the better team, but we were able to settle midway through the term and stabilise the contest,” Combe said.
“Kicking a late goal before three-quarters of the time was really important; it gave us momentum heading into the final quarter.
“The last quarter was quite pleasing.
“We were challenged several times in the first 10–15 minutes, but our ability to remain composed, persist in the contest, and stay connected as a team was a strong indicator of the growth we’re seeing within the team.”